The 50 to 1 odds for Mind That Bird to win the Kentucky Derby have certainly not been over-looked in the past few days. Wow. What an incredible under-dog (or horse) story. These kinds of odds remind me of how often we want God decrease the odds in our own life.
But, that’s not usually how God works.
In the book, In A Pit With A Lion On A Snowy Day, Mark Batterson addresses this very thing. Take the story of Gideon, for example. Gideon started out with thirty-two thousand men, and they were still outnumbered by the Midianites. They were the underdogs with thirty-two thousand! But, God tells Gideon he has too many men. And, He orders Gideon to let go of the scaredy-cats. Apparently, he had a lot of scaredy-cats, because two-thirds of them went home to momma.
Still too many men, God told him.
If I were Gideon, I’d be like, “Do wha?”
So after a drinking contest. Wait. No. After Gideon discharges his men that drink water like dogs (per God’s instruction), he gets down to a measly three-hundred.
300.
Talk about pretty stinky odds.
But, ya know what? Israel wins. Midianites lose.
So, why did God not decrease their odds? Actually, why did he INCREASE them?
Simple. Because, He wants all of the glory. ALL of it.
Judges 7:2 says “The Lord said to Gideon, “You have too many warriors with you. If I let all of you fight the Midianites, the Israelites will boast to me that they saved themselves by their own strength.”
Mark Batterson writes:
“Maybe that is why God sometimes invites us to defy impossible odds. Maybe it is one way He can show His omnipotence. Maybe God allows the odds to be stacked against us so He can reveal more of His glory……..
Too often our prayers revolved around asking God to reduce the odds in our lives. We want everything in our favor. But maybe God wants to stack the odds against us so we can experience a miracle of divine proportions. Maybe faith is trusting God no matter how impossible the odds are. Maybe our impossible situations are opportunities to experience a new dimension of God’s glory.”
If the odds are stacked against you today, do not lose heart. Remember Who is in control. And, remember, He not only wants, but deserves all of the glory for your victory.
DustyTakle.com 
God’s whispers as you reminded us so clearly that one blog not long ago…well, when things become overwhelming in my life, people pulling at me, feeling others hurts, pain, it is amazing how much God relieves that, takes that yoke upon Him. He woos us to Him, reminds us how much He loves us, and then empowers us with His Grace, and somehow causes us to shine! Forever grateful for His love, God’s kindness, His body of CHrist who is so amazing too. YOur parents have imparted to you, to your children and they trust what they have imparted to you Dusty. REst in that love! God uses you, but He also, wants us to feel Him lifting the burdens of life from us. ha, like when Anna Banana or JH do something that brings that smile to your face, your heart, the simple things in life! I know you know all of this, but it is still small voice that is reminding you still…Great blog Dusty!
Needed this today. Thanks.
David got to his position in life (with blessings) by acting on his faith that with God he could slay his giant. You can’t grow standing still. Faith+risk=God getting the honor.
this was perfect for today! thank you!
when we become smaller…God becomes larger.
thanks Dusty, this is a good nugget to keep in mind.
Great Blog!
This hit home today for me. We are dangling, waiting on God to show up. I pray for more strength. Please pray with me.